Tari Adat Besemah

Audio 7.2: Audio Example 2 in Chapter 7 of book: Margaret Kartomi, ‘Musical Journeys in Sumatra’, Champaign-Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 2012. This traditional dance is performed in the Besemah region at life cycle celebrations, especially those that are attended by many guests. Often, around 20 young people can take part in the dance. This example, performed at a wedding ceremony, comprised seven dancers: Ibu-Ibu Nekanibasik, Ariah, Jimah, Radiah and Madinah (all women) and Bp Sulim and Bp Kiaso (men). The accompanying ensemble includes a gong-chime (“kelintang”) which plays the melody and rhythmic pattern, and a type of frame drum (“redap”) which supports and maintains the rhythm. The excerpt was recorded in January 1989. Duration: 0 min. 47 sec.

Copyright 1989. Margaret J. Kartomi.